Roman Bronze Lion Head Handle w/ Ring

Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 2nd to 3rd century CE. An attractive example of a bronze handle cast in high relief with the stylized head of a lion. The feline countenance bears dozens of hammered 'hairs' and presents with almond-shaped eyes beneath heavy lids and furrowed brows, a wide snout, incised whiskers above a gaping mouth, and cupped ears that are nearly hidden amongst the shaggy mane. A pair of large holes flanking the mouth support a fluted cast-bronze ring, and the handle body would have attached to a door or chest via three perforated holes. Thick layers of green and brown patina have formed across the handle and knocker. Mounted to wooden display plaque. Size (handle & knocker): 4.875" W x 6.7" H (12.4 cm x 17 cm); (display plaque): 6.7" W x 8.75" H (17 cm x 22.2 cm)

In the classical world, lions symbolized power, wealth, and might. They were famously featured in many ancient myths, perhaps most famous being that of Hercules (Herakles) slaying the Nemean Lion for his first labor. The fur of the Nemean Lion was believed to be impenetrable to attacks since, according to legend, it was made of gold and its claws were far sharper than any man-made blade and possessed the power to cleanly slice through even the toughest of armor. In the end, however, Hercules defeated the lion by strangling it to death and claimed its pelt as a trophy of the monumental achievement.

Lions were also the preferred iconography for buildings, coins, and statues throughout the ancient world. Notable examples include the Lion Gate to the Citadel of Mycenae, the Terrace of the Lions on the island of Delos, and the lion hunt mosaic from Pella featuring Alexander the Great engaged in a lion hunt. Of course, depictions of lions were also employed by Roman arenas where they would battle other animals, such as tigers and bears.

A stylistically similar example, of a larger size, hammered for $6,600 at Christie's, New York "Antiquities" auction (sale 1679, June 16, 2006, lot 266).

Provenance: ex-private Stephenson collection, Greenwich, Connecticut, USA, acquired in Switzerland around 1980

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#153426
Condition Report: Fissure to one area of ring with small chips along break line. Minor nicks to handle periphery, with softening to some finer details, light encrustations, and slight bending to overall form. Oxidation from original attachment pins present around peripheral attachment holes. Great green and brown patina throughout. Mounted to display plaque with modern metal screws.